Washington County Museum
To get a feel for the natural and cultural history of the Tualatin Valley, groups should visit the Washington County Museum. The museum tells the story of the county from its ecology and forestry to its Native American groups and history of pioneer settlers.
The museum’s exhibits rotate to display various items in its collection. Visitors might see art, quilts or photography created by Washington County residents or tools used by pioneers who came to the area via the Oregon Trail. Other exhibits detail the area’s role in the American military and the modern industries that drive Washington County today.
www.washingtoncountymuseum.org
Old Scotch Church
Among the most interesting attractions in the Tualatin Valley for faith-based groups is the Old Scotch Church. Home of an active Presbyterian congregation, the church was built in 1878 and is billed as the oldest continually operating church in the West.
In addition to visiting this small and historic place of worship, groups can take a tour through its cemetery, which is the final resting place of several notable Oregon pioneers. Among the most famous is Joseph Meek, a trapper, law enforcement official and politician who was a luminary of the Oregon Trail.
Ethnic Dining
You might not think of suburban Oregon as a prime destination for ethnic dining, but the Tualatin Valley’s proximity to Portland and other high-tech hubs in the Northwest has attracted a wide variety of foreign nationals, many of whom have opened up authentic ethnic restaurants.
In Beaverton, visitors can find 10 Korean barbecue restaurants within a mile-and-a-half radius, where they’ll enjoy dishes such as kimchi, pork belly and seafood pancakes. Local favorites include Nak Won, Du Kuh Bee and DJK Korean BBQ. Hillsboro, home to Intel, has a number of exceptional Indian restaurants such as Chennai Masala, Swagat and Swagath Indian Cuisine.
